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ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS LEADERS AND FEDERAL MINISTERS MEET ON JOINT ACTION FOR POLICY CHANGE

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, November 3, 2005- The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Phil Fontaine, British Columbia Regional Chief Shawn Atleo, the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and the Honourable Irwin Cotler, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met in Ottawa today for the first meeting of the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) established under the First Nations-Federal Crown Political Accord signed at the Policy Retreat in May 2005. Under the terms of the Accord, the JSC will undertake and oversee joint action and co-operation on policy change for recognition and reconciliation of Aboriginal and treaty rights, including recognition and implementation of First Nation governments.

”Fundamentally changing the process of policy making concerning First Nations treaties, self-government and land claims is essential in ensuring that recognition and implementation of First Nations rights can be achieved,” said National Chief Fontaine. “Joint approaches accommodating First Nations perspectives are called for. These approaches must reflect legal and constitutional developments over the past 30 years. This is now being acknowledged and acted on as the means of securing effective policy.”

“I’m honoured to participate in these discussions,” said Minister Scott. “The creation of this joint Committee at the political-level clearly signals Canada’s commitment to fulfilling its undertakings in the political accord and to renewing relationships based on the principles of recognition and reconciliation. Stronger relationships between governments and First Nation organizations and collaborative work on policy change relating to Aboriginal and treaty rights will underpin efforts to improve the socio-economic circumstances of First Nations people. The joint work initiated through today’s meeting will have positive impacts on our efforts in other priority policy areas which are to be the focus of the upcoming First Minister’s Meeting at the end of this month.”

“The Joint Steering Committee is a significant Government-First Nations partnership initiative on how the Justice system can better recognize and respond to the unique needs of First Nations people,” said Minister Cotler. “It’s not only about the need for the Government and First Nations to work together, but about a partnership between policy development and the rule of law, to make sure that we move forward, without repeating mistakes of the past.”

The JSC members have agreed to designate officials from their respective organizations to lead a joint senior management committee that will develop detailed joint work plans and timely mechanisms as well as structures for implementing the accord. Priority attention will initially be given to three key areas: treaty implementation, First Nation land rights and recognition and implementation of First Nation governments. The Joint Steering Committee is expected to meet again in December of 2005.

Background information on the Policy Retreat and the full text of the First Nations-Federal Crown Political Accord on the Recognition and Implementation of First Nations Governments

For more information, please contact:

Don Kelly
Assembly of First Nations
(613) 241-6789

Campbell Morrison
Press Secretary
Minister Andy Scott’s Office
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 997-0002

Marc Chalifoux
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Irwin Cotler
(613) 992-4621